Shinto priest
かんぬし
Classification
- Major : Professional Occupations in Legal, Business, Cultural and Artistic Fields
- Middle : Religious Workers
- Minor : Religious Workers
Summary
A profession that performs rituals at shrines and handles worshippers' prayers for fulfillment and purification.
Description
Shinto priests perform rituals and ceremonies at shrines, responsible for prayers, purification rites, weddings, Shichi-Go-San, and other Shinto events for worshippers. They master Shinto norito and protocols, manage shrine grounds, and handle event preparation and operations. Most are hereditary, certified by the Association of Shinto Shrines, trained, and appointed as negi or guji.
Future Outlook
While the number of practitioners is tending to decrease due to declining birthrates and shortages of successors, its importance is expected to be maintained in the inheritance of traditional culture and regional revitalization.
Personality Traits
Work Style
Community-based / Full-time / Hereditary / Self-employed
Career Path
Apprentice Shinto priest → Negi → Guji → Shrine agency staff
Required Skills
Communication skills (worshipper support) / Norito recitation / Ritual management / Shinto rites
Recommended Skills
Classical Japanese / Gagaku / Local culture understanding
Aptitudes (Strengths Preferred)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Attention to Detail & Accuracy | Because errors in ritual procedures or norito are not permitted. |
| Communication Skills | High communication skills are required for interactions with worshippers and recitation of norito. |
| Learning Agility & Knowledge Acquisition | Continuous learning is necessary to acquire norito and ritual procedures. |
Aptitudes (Weaknesses Acceptable)
| Item | Description |
|---|---|
| Creativity & Ideation | Creativity is not particularly required as they adhere to prescribed ritual procedures. |
| Numerical & Quantitative Analysis | Because numerical analysis tasks rarely occur. |
Aliases
- Shinto clergy
Related Jobs
- Buddhist monk
- Pastor
- Yamabushi